Occupational allergic contact dermatitis is more prevalent than irritant contact dermatitis: a 5-year study.

BACKGROUND

Irritant contact dermatitis is thought to be the leading cause of occupational skin disease in the United States. Recent reports suggest otherwise.

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of allergic and irritant forms of occupational contact dermatitis in the population seen at a Midwestern dermatologic referral clinic, report professions commonly affected by occupational skin disease, and indicate which substances are frequent allergens.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patch test data collected at the University of Kansas between 1994 and 1999 was performed.

RESULTS

Of 537 patients who underwent patch testing, 135 (25%) had occupational skin disease. Allergic contact dermatitis affected 81 (60%) patients, and irritant contact dermatitis was found in 46 (34%). Health care professionals, machinists, and construction workers accounted for nearly half of all patients with occupational skin disease. Nickel sulfate, glutaraldehyde, and thiuram mix were the most common allergens.

CONCLUSION

Patch tests with a wider array of allergens than those currently available in the United States are needed to prevent misdiagnosis of occupational contact dermatitis.